Absolutely Insane Projects We Should Try
The 'cheems mindset' describes a tendency in Western countries to avoid big, imaginative projects due to perceived difficulties or costs. This mindset contrasts with countries like China, which rapidly builds large-scale infrastructure. The video suggests several ambitious projects that could be built now with current technology if there was enough willpower. These include flooding the Australian outback to create a new green continent, building a new city in the UK for Hong Kong immigrants, creating new cities in the US to boost the economy and balance political power, rebuilding the Twin Towers, and reviving supersonic air travel like the Concorde by making its technology public. The main point is that if large, 'crazy' projects are possible, then smaller, essential public works like good transport and housing should also be achievable without issues.
Key Vocabulary
Lacking interest or excitement; dull or ordinary, especially when referring to everyday tasks or policies that might seem uninspiring.
Examples:
- The manager found that sorting through endless spreadsheets was a mundane part of his job.
- Despite its mundane appearance, the old book contained a fascinating history.
- She preferred to tackle the more complex problems, leaving the mundane administrative duties to her assistant.
Unable to be solved or explained; having no solution.
Examples:
- The detective was frustrated by what seemed to be an unsolvable mystery.
- Many students find certain advanced math problems to be practically unsolvable without a deeper understanding.
- The team faced an unsolvable dilemma when both options presented significant risks.
The action or process of demolishing or being demolished, typically referring to the tearing down of buildings or structures.
Examples:
- The old factory was scheduled for demolition to make way for a new shopping complex.
- The controlled demolition of the skyscraper was a spectacle to behold.
- After years of neglect, the building was deemed unsafe and marked for demolition.
The area immediately outside the door of a house or building; used metaphorically to mean something that is readily available or very close at hand.
Examples:
- The package was left right on her doorstep, making it convenient to retrieve.
- With the new park built, green space was literally on their doorstep.
- The opportunity for a new career was waiting right on his doorstep.
A person who lives on income from property or investments, rather than from employment.
Examples:
- The old woman lived comfortably as a rentier, collecting income from her various rental properties.
- He aspired to become a rentier, hoping to retire early and live off his passive income.
- The city's high cost of living made it difficult for anyone who wasn't a rentier to afford housing.
The established set of attitudes held by someone, influencing their behavior and perspective.
Examples:
- Adopting a growth mindset can significantly improve one's ability to learn and adapt.
- The team's success was largely due to their collaborative mindset.
- To overcome challenges, it's essential to cultivate a resilient mindset.
The fact of living in a place, or the period during which one lives there; often referring to legal permission to reside in a country.
Examples:
- After fulfilling the five-year residency requirement, she applied for citizenship.
- His temporary residency permit allowed him to work in the country for a year.
- The artist's residency at the gallery provided him with space and time to create.
An action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end.
Examples:
- The coach devised a new tactic to surprise the opposing team.
- Negotiating directly with the supplier was a clever tactic to secure a better price.
- Her tactic of asking open-ended questions helped to gather more information.
A thing on which someone or something depends for their existence or survival, or a means of escape from a difficult situation.
Examples:
- The emergency aid package was a lifeline for the struggling community.
- During the storm, the portable generator proved to be a vital lifeline.
- For many small businesses, government grants served as a crucial lifeline during the economic downturn.
Moving to a new place and establishing one's home or business there.
Examples:
- The company is considering relocating its headquarters to a more cost-effective city.
- After the merger, many employees faced the prospect of relocating for their jobs.
- Relocating to a different country presented both challenges and exciting opportunities for the family.
Makes a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Examples:
- Lack of sleep often exacerbates feelings of stress and anxiety.
- The new policy, rather than solving the issue, only exacerbates the existing inequalities.
- His refusal to compromise further exacerbates the tension between the two parties.
Disadvantages or problems associated with something.
Examples:
- One of the major drawbacks of the plan was its high cost.
- Despite its many benefits, the new software has a few drawbacks that need addressing.
- He carefully weighed the advantages and drawbacks before making a decision.
A sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something.
Examples:
- The company experienced a significant slump in sales during the last quarter.
- After the holiday season, there was a noticeable slump in consumer spending.
- The stock market saw a sharp slump following the unexpected economic news.
Lacking creativity or originality; not using or showing imagination.
Examples:
- The restaurant's menu was rather unimaginative, offering only standard dishes.
- His unimaginative approach to problem-solving often led to predictable outcomes.
- The architect was criticized for his unimaginative design, which failed to inspire.
Having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period; in or as if in a deep sleep. Also refers to something that is not currently active but has the potential to become so.
Examples:
- The volcano had been dormant for centuries before showing signs of activity.
- His creative talents lay dormant for years until he rediscovered his passion for painting.
- The old software system remained dormant, ready to be reactivated if needed.
The smallest finger on the hand. Often used in the context of a 'pinky promise,' a child-like vow or agreement.
Examples:
- She used her pinky to stir her small cup of tea delicately.
- The two friends sealed their secret with a pinky promise.
- He extended his pinky, expecting the other person to link theirs in agreement.
A rare gaseous element that glows reddish-orange when an electric current passes through it, commonly used in illuminated signs. Metaphorically used to describe something brightly colored or vibrant.
Examples:
- The city's downtown area was illuminated by an array of neon signs.
- She wore a jacket in a bright neon green, making her visible in the dark.
- The artist used neon colors to create a striking and energetic painting.
A very large city, typically one with a population of over ten million people.
Examples:
- Tokyo is a prime example of a bustling megacity, with millions of residents and a vast infrastructure.
- The rapid urbanization in developing countries has led to the emergence of several new megacities.
- Living in a megacity offers numerous opportunities but also presents challenges like overcrowding and pollution.
To make a series of short, high-pitched sounds, as made by a bird. Also, in the context of the video, it refers to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where users post short messages.
Examples:
- The birds began to twitter cheerfully as the sun rose.
- She shared her thoughts on the new policy in a series of posts on Twitter.
- The news broke on Twitter before it was reported by traditional media outlets.
To attack with nuclear weapons; to destroy or cause severe damage. Informally, to heat something in a microwave oven.
Examples:
- The general warned against any action that could lead to a decision to nuke the enemy base.
- He decided to just nuke his leftovers for a quick dinner.
- The company's reputation was completely nuked after the scandal broke.